Nerdtopia: my top five highlights from Fantasy Basel

Kevin Hofer

10.5.2018

Translation: Eva Francis

Comics, movies, games or cosplay – Fantasy Basel is sure to make every nerd’s heart beat faster. There are four halls full of action, exhibitors and shows to discover on a surface of over 60,000 m2. Read on to find out what my five personal highlights were.

1. Swiss Space Museum

«Your Trip to Space» is the title of this exhibition that features original parts of the Soyuz MS-05 and other exhibits of current space travel you’d always probably not wanted to see. This astronaut nappy for example.

This exhibition helps you get an idea of how little space really was available to astronauts on their travels through the galaxy at 4.3 times the force of gravity.[[image:13992939]]

As a little treat, you can float around on board of the International Space Station ISS on a virtual tour.

2. Case modding

Who doesn't want a PC case that looks like a Viking ship? Or a gun from Gears of War? That would be great, but my wife would probably rip my head off if I brought something like that home.[[image:13992937]]
Case modding world record holder Ali «THE CRE8OR» Abbas is presenting his best case building projects and case mods. The level of detail he creates his art in is astonishing – an absolute must-see.

3. Eating in Japan Village

I love Japan and everything to do with the land of the rising sun. Especially the food. Don’t miss out on eating in Japan Village if you’re at Fantasy Basel – even if you’ll have to queue for quite a while. The Okonomiyaki are outstanding, especially compared to usual exhibition food. And there’s more to Japan Village than excellent food: A variety of stalls with curiosities; fun, weird and more or less useful items.[[image:13992938]]

4. The guy who sculpted Darth Vader

Admittedly, Ralph McQuarrie designed Darth Vader, but the sculptor Brian Ian Muir really brought him to life. And you can meet him in Basel. Brian Ian Muir that is. He also sculpted the Storm Trooper armour, Death Star Droid, CZ 3 and other Star Wars icons.

You can meet Muir at his booth or at one of his panels. On Saturday, for example, he will talk about his book «In the Shadow of Vader».
No need to mention there are numerous other artists to meet and artwork to admire.

5. Cosplay

What would Fantasy Basel be without cosplay? On the big stage at the daily cosplay contests, at their booths, in the corridors – you're sure to get a chance to admire many cosplayers.

Speaking of cosplay: Have you read the interview with cosplayer Tiffie (in German only)?

Kevin Hofer

Senior Editor

kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.ch

From big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.

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